System Recovery and troubleshooting options in Windows XP

System Recovery and troubleshooting options in Windows XP

Software and hardware issues can affect the way

that your system functions. Severe problems might prevent you from

starting Windows XP Professional normally.

èSoftware problems: Installing incompatible software, incorrectly

changing system configuration settings, or installing faulty device drivers

can cause system instability or a Stop error.

èHardware problems: Hardware that is defective, malfunctioning,

incorrectly installed, or incorrectly configured can also cause instability

or a Stop error.

èOther problems: Deleted or corrupted system files caused by

problems such as user error or virus activity can cause data loss or

prevent you from starting the operating system.

Windows XP Professional provides several tools that enable you to

troubleshoot startup and stability problems, and restore system to

normal use.

Last Known Good Configuration

When the system cannot start in normal or safe mode following a

driver or application installation that causes a problem, using the Last

Known Good Configuration, you can recover by reversing the most recent

driver and registry changes made since you last started Windows XP

Professional.

Device Driver Roll Back

A Device Manager feature that allows you to replace an individual

device driver with the previously installed version if the driver was updated

after you installed Windows XP Professional. Device Driver Roll Back is

available in normal or safe mode.

System Restore

A service for x86-based computers that actively monitors your

system and records changes to the registry, to system files, and to certain

application files. System Restore allows you to undo recent registry and file

changes by using information previously saved in restore points. Use to

restore the system to a previous state. System Restore is available in

normal or safe mode.

Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel

A Control Panel feature you can use to uninstall programs. Use to

temporarily uninstall software that you suspect is causing a problem. You

can uninstall an application in normal or safe mode.

Safe Mode

If you are unable to start your system by using Last Known Good

Configuration, Windows XP Professional provides safe mode, a startup

option that disables startup programs and nonessential services to create

an environment useful for troubleshooting and diagnosing problems. In safe

mode, Windows XP Professional starts a minimal set of drivers that the

operating system needs to function. Support for devices such as audio

devices, most USB devices, and IEEE 1394 devices is disabled to reduce the

variables that you need to account for when diagnosing the cause of startup

problems, Stop messages, or system instability.

Recovery Console

A command-line environment that you can use to perform advanced

troubleshooting operations. In addition to Last Known Good Configuration

and safe mode, advanced users can use Recovery Console to attempt manual

recovery operations.

Backup

A tool for saving data, such as the system state, before you

troubleshoot problems, attempt workarounds, or apply updates. Backup

(Ntbackup.exe) enables you to restore system settings and data if you’re

troubleshooting attempts worsen the problem. Use in conjunction with a

parallel installation to restore a system that cannot start in normal or safe

modes. Backup is available in safe or normal mode.